EDISON, NJ (Nov. 1, 2026) –– 'Tis the season for Metro basketball! 11 Conference men’s basketball teams open the 2026-27 campaign on Monday, Nov. 2, beginning with defending regular-season champion Merrimack facing Appalachian State in Rock Hill, South Carolina, at 6 AM ET as part of the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon. The Warriors' season lid-lifter will air on the Field of 68's YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) account.
Opening week continues on Tuesday, Nov. 3 with Manhattan facing No. 23 Kentucky at 7 PM ET. On Thursday, Nov. 5, nine Metro members host America East foes in the first of two meetings in the inaugural America East-Metro Challenge. Additionally, Mount St. Mary's hosts Loyola (Md.) on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 PM ET, while Niagara hosts Morgan State and Canisius welcomes Atlantic 10 member St. Bonaventure on Saturday, Nov. 7.
Eight of the participating teams conclude the America East-Metro Challenge on Sunday, Nov. 8, while Iona faces defending BIG EAST champion and 2026 NCAA Sweet 16 team No. 13 St. John's at Madison Square Garden at noon ET. Siena welcomes Princeton to MVP Arena at 1 PM ET Sunday. Iona will conclude the Challenge on Monday, Nov. 16 at UMBC at 6 PM ET.
Follow Metro Hoops on X (formerly Twitter), @MetroConfHoops, and connect with the Conference on X, Facebook and Instagram, @MetroConfSports.
Schedule subject to change.